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Prison Transport Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prison Counselor

Adrian, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

... Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9. Additional ...

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Prison Transport Officer information

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$29K

$75.6K

$131K

How much do prison transport officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison transport officer in the United States is $75,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison transport officer?

To thrive as a Prison Transport Officer, you need a strong understanding of security protocols, situational awareness, and a relevant background such as law enforcement or corrections, often supported by specialized training or certifications. Familiarity with restraint devices, secure vehicle systems, and radio communication equipment is typically required for safe inmate transport. Outstanding judgment, stress management, and interpersonal skills are essential to manage high-risk scenarios and communicate effectively with both inmates and colleagues. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, orderly, and lawful movement of inmates while minimizing risks to public safety.

What is a prison transport officer?

Prison Transport Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for securely transporting inmates between correctional facilities, courts, medical appointments, or other locations. They ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and the public during transit by following strict protocols, using specialized vehicles, and maintaining constant supervision. Their duties may also include conducting searches, preparing transport documentation, and responding to emergencies. Prison Transport Officers play a critical role in maintaining order and upholding legal requirements throughout the transportation process.

What are some of the common challenges faced by prison transport officers during inmate transfers?

Prison Transport Officers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable inmate behavior, ensuring the safety and security of everyone during transfers, and dealing with varying transport routes and schedules. They must remain vigilant to prevent escapes or incidents and be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies. Effective communication and teamwork with other officers are crucial, as is maintaining strict adherence to protocols and legal requirements throughout the transport process.

What is the difference between Prison Transport Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrison Transport OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsBasic security training, valid driver’s license, background checkSecurity training, background check, sometimes correctional officer certification
Work EnvironmentTransport vehicles, correctional facilities, secure routesPrison facilities, inmate housing units, security posts
Employer & IndustryCourts, detention centers, law enforcement agenciesPrison facilities, detention centers, jails

Prison Transport Officers primarily focus on safely transporting inmates between facilities or court appearances, requiring driving skills and security protocols. Correctional Officers oversee inmate behavior within correctional facilities, emphasizing security, supervision, and inmate management. While both roles involve security and inmate oversight, their work environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Prison Transport Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Transport Officer jobs? Cities with the most Prison Transport Officer job openings:
What states have the most Prison Transport Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Transport Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prison Transport Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,601 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Louisville Metro Government rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Summary Objective: The purpose of this position is to escort inmates to medical appointments, clinics, and funerals. This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks. Examples of Duties Essential Functions: The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.

Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Guards inmates; monitors their conduct and behavior to prevent escapes, fights, disturbances, forbidden activities, introduction of contraband, and rules violations; and prepares forms on inmate activity and behavior Completes, processes, and maintains forms, documents, records, and files. Renders aid to other officers in emergency situations, restrains and subdues inmates, and documents disturbances and significant occurrences.

Follows departmental security policies and procedures. Maintains logs or records of transport activities. Handcuffs, shackles, or further restrains inmates and escorts them to and from offsite appointments.

Plans, executes, and inspects all aspects of the trip to ensure a safe and controlled travel environment. Verifies the identity of inmates and perform searches prior to transportation. Collaborates with medical, Records, Booking Floor staff, and Shift Commanders for inmate movement.

Assists Motor Pool Officer with maintenance of departmental vehicles. Participates in specialized training, including, but not limited to annual vehicle training. Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements High school diploma or the equivalent OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test. Must be a US Citizen. Must be a retired LMDC sworn employee.

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Must not have been convicted of a felony. Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening.

Must pass a pre-employment physical, stress, and medical examination. Applicants who have illegally bought, sold, or trafficked, as defined in KRS218A.010 and KRS218A.1431, controlled substances, other than marijuana, within six years of application will be disqualified. Applicants who have used an illegal controlled substance other than marijuana within the last six years of application will be disqualified

Applicants who have illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within six months of application will be disqualified. Applicants who have illegally sold marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within one year of application will be disqualified. Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription more than once within the last six years of application will be disqualified.

Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription on a single occasion within the last six years of application will be disqualified for one year since the last use without a prescription. Applicants and employees in positions which perform job duties that may require contact with offenders in the custody or supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice or with youth in the care, custody or supervision of Youth Development must meet qualifications pursuant to the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, 28 CFR 115.17 and 115.317, to include periodic post-employment criminal background checks Must not be a current user of illegal drugs. Must not have ever engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution ( as defined in 42 U.S.C

1997). Must not have ever been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community, facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse. Must not have ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the previous question.

Must pass and maintain pistol and shotgun firearm certification. Must complete forty (40) hours of annual in-service training. Must wear personal protective equipment as mandated by OSHA.

Must wear safety equipment as mandated by OSHA. Must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment. Must pass an annual tuberculin test.

Must work a varied schedule. Must be on 24 hour call. Must be eligible for certification as a State Peace Officer.

Must lift and restrain individuals. Must enter data into a computer. Must be certified in CPR and First Aid within 30 days of hire.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT): Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. None. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT COMPLIANCE: Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. STANDARD CLAUSES: May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS: It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices.

Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.


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